Typhoon Haiyan Relief Efforts in the Philippines

By
Milla & Associates, LLC
|November 18, 2013

It has been 10 days since Typhoon Haiyan, one of the most powerful typhoons
ever recorded, first hit the Philippines and left in its wake a nation
devastated and in desperate need of aid. As a Filipino American with extended
family in the Philippines, this disaster struck a chord close to my heart.
The personal connection, however, was unnecessary to appreciate the true
tragedy of what has occurred and what is ongoing, as relief is trickling
into the country, slow to reach those most in need. The category 5 typhoon
reached 195 mph with gusts of up to 235 mph; however, the gravest numbers
are of the human loss, starvation, and displacement.

The Philippine government says 9.8 million have been affected in 44 provinces,
539 municipalities, and 56 cities. Of those affected,
4.9 million are children;
1.5 million are children under the age of five who are at risk of Global Acute Malnutrition
(GAM), a measurement of nutritional status used to assess the severity
of a humanitarian crisis.

A recent report from the U.N. lists the death toll at
4,200. The Philippine government disputes this figure and has reported
3,637 deaths as of this Saturday. According to the Philippine disaster council,
1,186 are still missing.

The U.N. requested
$300 million for the Haiyan Action Plan to provide supplies and services to those affected
by the typhoon. So far,
$81 million has been contributed by donors, including U.N. member states and the private
sector, including more than
$20 million from the U.S. IKEA, yes
that IKEA,
pledged $2.7 million.

Despite the money pledged, much-needed basic aid such as food and water
has been slow to arrive to those who need it most in the Philippines.

According to U.N. estimates,
2.5 million people are in need of food assistance. However, as of this past Friday,
375,795 people had been assisted through food distribution, including rice, high-energy
biscuits, and canned goods, according to the U.N. Office for the Coordination
of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

One day after the typhoon struck, the Huffington Post published a
list of relief efforts, which has since been updated and is provided below in no particular order.
You can read about Chicago-based relief efforts
here. I encourage you to do what you can.

The U.N.’s hunger-fighting organization has allocated an immediate
$2 million for Haiyan relief, with a greater appeal pending as needs become
apparent. The UN organization is sending 40 metric tons of fortified biscuits
in the immediate aftermath, as well as working with the government to
restore emergency telecommunications in the area. Americans can text the
word AID to 27722 to donate $10 or give online.
Learn more here.

Anticipating that children will likely be among the worst affected by the
typhoon, UNICEF is working on getting essential medicines, nutrition supplies,
safe water and hygiene supplies to children and families in the area.
Learn more here.

The emergency response and global health organization is sending medical
aid for 20,000 survivors, including antibiotics, wound care supplies,
and pain relievers. AmeriCares is also giving funds to local organizations
to purchase supplies.
Learn more here.

The Christian humanitarian organization that specifically supports families
living in poverty is providing food, water, and hygiene kits at the evacuation
centers. World Vision was also still actively responding to last month’s
earthquake in Bohol, which fortunately was not struck by the eye of the storm.
Learn more here.

The humanitarian and disaster relief organization has sent emergency responders
and volunteers to provide meals and relief items. Already, thousands of
hot meals have been provided to survivors. Red Cross volunteers and staff
also helped deliver preliminary emergency warnings and safety tips. Give
by donating online or mailing a check to your local American Red Cross chapter.
Learn more here.

The Los Angeles-based nonprofit is sending much-needed water purification
supplies to victims and seeking corporate partners to help with delivery.
Donate $10 by texting AID to 50555 or give online. Learn more here.

The humanitarian assistance organization, which fights global poverty in
70 different countries, is sending disaster and relief development experts
to aid in recovery. The organization is also empowering local partners
in their efforts.
Learn more here.

LWR, which fights poverty by improving global health and ensuring basic
human rights are met, is working with local partners to provide water,
shelter, financial resources and recovery efforts. LWR is appealing for
$2.5 million for its typhoon relief fund.
Learn more here.

The nonprofit, which galvanizes first responders and veterans to help in
times of crises, has sent a group of specialists to aid in search-and
rescue, medical triage and medical relief.
Learn more here.

The international poverty-fighting nonprofit, which provides sustainable
global food and water solutions, is distributing drinking water, buckets,
soap, and chlorine tablets. It’s also providing sanitation equipment
to help prevent waterborne diseases.
Learn more here.

The information on this website is for general information purposes only.
Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual
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or viewing does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship.